Hayden Opai won one gold medal and three silver medals at the World Hapkido Championships, held in Busan, South Korea, on 22 and 23 June. The Wainuiomata martial artist says he is “pretty happy with that for a world tournament”.
Continued on page 2.
Hayden Opai at the World Hapkido Championships with Grandmasters (from left) Scott Seo, In Sun Seo and Steve Seo. Photo: Supplied.
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Impressive win for a heavyweight
Continued from page 1
He won medals in four of the five disciplines he entered.
Hayden won his gold medal in an event where competitors had to jump head first over a series of pads.
Hayden won when he cleared 11 pads, a distance of around 3.3 metres.
For a heavyweight – Hayden is 96kg – that was a particularly impressive performance.
One of his silver medals came in the kumite (fighting) section.
Hayden qualified for the final, where he met a very hard opponent in Sweden’s Henrick Rosendale, who is a fourth dan black belt.
Following the encounter, which Henrick won, the two have become good friends.
His two other silver medals came in the hyung (patterns) events – one with a weapon and the other without a weapon.
Competitors in these events follow a detailed choreography of patterns of martial arts movements.
Hayden secured is place in the world championships after winning four gold medals as well as the overall trophy at last year’s Oceania Cup.
He is already looking forward to defending the overall trophy and four gold medals at next year’s Oceania Cup.
Hayden is a member of the Upper Hutt Martial Arts Academy and competed in the World Championships at Busan with nine other academy members, who also picked up gold, silver and bronze medals.
As well as Hayden’s four medals, the New Zealand team won another eight medals at the championships.
Hayden Opai performing in the hyung at the World Hapkido Championships. Photo: Supplied.
Hayden Opai (in the blue) fighting Sweden’s Henrick Rosendale in the final of the kunite. Photo: Supplied.
Local firm a Gold Awards finalist
By Frank Neill
Wainuiomata business Contemporary Korowai Designs has been named as a finalist in the 2024 Wellington Gold Awards.
The business, which is owned by Brenda Janes, is one of six finalists in the GoFi8ure Emerging Gold – Products section.
This category is for enterprises with 10 or fewer full-time employees.
The winners of the awards will be announced at “The Post” 2024 Gold Awards at the Embassy Theatre on Thursday 22 August.
The Wellington Gold Awards, held in association with “The Post”, celebrate excellence and enterprise of businesses in the Greater Wellington region and Horowhenua.
Established in 1999, they showcase the region’s business talent and capability and are a way of paying tribute to those who are building both the community and the economy.
This is the second time in just a few months that Contemporary Korowai Designs has been shortlisted for an award.
Last year it was not only shortlisted but went on to win the award as top small business at the Wellington Region Business Excellence Awards held at the Lower Hutt Events Centre on 17 November.
These awards were organised by the Hutt Valley Chamber of Commerce.
A small wh nau-based business, Contemporary Korowai Designs designs and creates stunning Korowai/K kahu (M ori cloaks).
Its modern versions of traditional Korowai designs are available in a range of different designs, colours and sizes suitable for everyone
and all special occasions.
It also stocks a range of other taonga for special occasions, including M ori / Polynesian, 21st birthday keys, carved walking sticks, and wood and bone carvings.
Contemporary Korowai Designs creates
korowai for newborns to celebrate the arrival of a new wh nau member, and for tamariki for birthdays, school graduation and any other significant occasion. They also sell a range of M taonga.
College Squash coming to Wainui
By Frank Neill
Young Squash players from around New Zealand will descend on Wainuiomata in early August to take part in the New Zealand Secondary Schools Squash Nationals tournament.
The Wainuiomata Squash Club, located at 97 Main Road, is one of three clubs hosting the championships along with Hutt City Squash Club and the Upper Hutt Squash Club.
Around 50 teams from secondary schools throughout New Zealand have entered the
championships, which will run from 2 to 4 August. The tournament is being organised by the Hutt City Squash Club.
Championships matches will be played at the six courts of the Hutt City Squash Club and at the Wainuiomata and Upper Hutt Squash Clubs, which each have three courts.
Teams are made up of five players, with boys and girls playing in separate divisions.
The teams are made up of differing levels of skills, from experienced right through to beginners. The Wainuiomata Squash Club was hoping that a team from Waihuiomata High School could be put together, as there
are six squash players in the age group living in Wainuiomata.
However because of other commitments three of the players were unavailable.
The Wainuiomata Squash Club is currently working hard on promoting the game at the junior level. In term three it will run a junior club night every Friday from 6 to 7pm with the adult club night running from 7pm.
The junior club night is free while for non members the first week of the adult club night is free and it costs $5 each week after that.
More information is on the club’s Facebook page.
Contemporary Korowai Designs owner Brenda Janes just after she received the award for the Wellington region’s best small business last year. Photo: Supplied.
Night treks coming to Wainui
By Frank Neill
Three free night events in an area of the Wainuiomata Regional Park that is not usually open to the public have been organised by Greater Wellington Regional Council.
The upcoming events are part of the council’s Dark Sky series.
The first event, called “Shooting the Stars” will take place on Saturday 27 July, beginning at 6pm.
Aimed particularly at aspiring astro photographers, this will allow participants to get “close up and personal with our galaxy and learn the basics of dark sky shooting from a professional,” the council says.
The astrophotography workshop and stargazing session will be guided by Glen Butler of Night & Light Photography and the Wellington Astronomical Society.
People on the trek will need to bring all of the following:
change manual settings of aperture, shutter speed and ISO; 14mm, 24mm, 35mm);
the ability to put your camera onto batteries; light setting); and footwear.
During this introductory session to astrophotography, people will learn the fundamentals and some creative ideas to begin taking captivating images in a unique dark sky environment.
Wellington Astronomical Society will also have their telescopes on hand so people can have a closer look at the sparkling southern skies.
Wainuiomata Regional Park has been selected for this event as it is close to achieving dark sky place accreditation and offers some of the region's best stargazing just 30 minutes from Wellington's CBD.
The location of the park provides a sanctuary from city light pollution, allowing budding astro-photographers a stunning night sky to shoot.
This event is not suitable for children under 18.
The meeting place is the Wainuiomata Regional Park carpark and bookings are essential.
The council is also running two night treks, called “Dark Sky Treks”.
The first is at 7pm on Saturday 10 August and the second at 7pm on Saturday 14 September.
These three-hour walks will take participants deep into untouched native forest, through some of the oldest trees in the Wellington region as darkness falls.
They will explore an area not nor-
mally open to the public, including a glowworm-filled tunnel that links to the Orongorongo Valley.
The Wellington Astronomical Society will share insights on Dark Sky awareness and preservation and provide a telescope for viewing the Moon and the Southern Cross.
People will also be able to talk to Remutaka Conservation Trust volunteers about their Kiwi release programme and nest monitoring efforts.
Wainuiomata Regional Park is working towards dark sky reserve accreditation, one of only three in the Southern Hemisphere.
Light pollution from the city
washes out most stars, but the park offers one of the best stargazing experiences in the region.
This free event is limited to 30 people, so booking is essential. Those taking part will need to
preferred), sturdy waterproof footwear, and warm and wet weather clothing.
This event includes a steep hill walk in the dark. A moderate level of fitness is required, and it is not suitable for children under 15.
Registrations for these three events can be made on the regional coun-
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One view of the night sky from the Wainuiomata Regional Park. Photo: Supplied.
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Helping people better prepare for severe weather
MetService is now providing additional information in its severe weather warnings to help people better understand the impact of incoming weather and what actions to take to stay safe.
It began this initiative on 12 June.
The partnership draws on the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA)’s advice and expertise on how to respond to and prepare for emergencies and the real time insights about impending severe weather from the team of expert forecasters at MetService.
“We know that extreme weather will continue to strike New Zealand, and in the last two years we’ve seen just how destructive it can be,” MetService Severe Weather Manager William Nepe says.
“We hope that by providing practical advice people will feel empowered to act and be weather ready.”
The weather warnings will provide advice on preparing for weather events. The advice is tailored to different weather situations and includes advice such as clearing gutters and drains, staying out of
floodwaters and securing items that can be picked up by strong winds.
In addition to action advice, MetService Warnings will also now include impact statements to help people better understand the effects a particular level of rain, wind or snow can cause.
“Combined, these impact and action statements will give people a real sense of just how severe the forecast weather could be – whether it could be life threatening, what disruptions it may cause such as to power or transport networks, or what damage may result such as to
Transparent food labelling petition
By Frank Neill
A petition asking the government to introduce transparent food labelling has been launched. The NZ Vegetarian Society (NZVS) and the Vegan Society of Aotearoa (VSA) launched the petition to advocate for clear and standardised labelling for vegetarian and vegan products in New Zealand. It calls on the Government to implement legislation that ensures consumers can make informed, ethical, and confident choices about the products they purchase. The petition is at https://our.actionstation.org.nz/petitions/ ban-misleading-labelling-for-vegetarian-andvegan-products. As the use of ambiguous terms on packaging grows it becomes difficult for consumers to understand what is in their food without thoroughly reading the ingredient list,
NZVS and VSA say.
This lack of clarity is particularly concerning to those with allergies, Jewish and Muslim people, vegans and vegetarians. By advocating for enforceable labelling regulations, the petition aims to eliminate confusion and ensure transparency, allowing consumers to make better-informed choices. "Clear and honest labelling is not just a matter of consumer rights, but a step towards a more transparent and ethical food industry," says NZVS spokesperson Ina Babic. "The NZVS also offers Vegan Certification and Vegetarian Approval for products, which consumers should look out for. “With the current lack of legislation, these trademarks provide much-needed assurance that products meet strict criteria, helping to protect consumers from misleading labels."
trees or powerlines and slips,” says William.
“This lets people know the likelihood (high, moderate, low, or minimal) that the weather could become more severe or that a higher-level warning will follow. This will provide more reason to keep up to date with the forecast.”
These features are one of the steps MetService is taking to make warning information more actionable and easier to understand, helping to support a more effective and timely response to severe weather.
New Te Reo competition
By Frank Neill
A new competition for speakers of Te Reo M ori has been launched.
Called Waha K rero, the contest was lauched by Te Taura Whiri i te Reo M ori on 8 July. It is open to all people aged 18 and over – M ori and non-M ori. Ko te reo te take.
“Waha K rero is not a whaik rero competition but a display of fast thinking, impromptu speeches on a range of topics,” says Ngahiwi Apanui-Barr, Tumu Whakahaere o Te Taura Whiri i te Reo M ori.
The overall winner of Waha K rero will take away the top prize of $10,000 and the mana of winning the inaugural competition.
The competition is made up of three rounds – Round One where contestants will submit a pre-recorded video, Round Two where contestants advance into an impromptu round online, and Round Three where the top 12 orators will battle it out in person in front of a panel of judges and supporters in Wellington.
Submissions for Round One are now open and close at 11:59pm on Friday 28 July.
The final round will take place on 21 September 2024. For more details about Waha K rero including key dates and eligibility criteria, visit the Reo M ori website at www. reomaori.co.nz/waha-korero-english. Kia kaha te reo M ori.
Should council axe community board?
ing remuneration, overheads, training, technology and miscellaneous costs.”
Wainuiomata people have until 1 August to make a submission to Hutt City Council on its plan to get rid of the Wainuiomata Community Board.
The council has announced that it plans to disestablish the three community boards in Wainuiomata, Petone and Eastbourne.
Ending the community boards is one of the key plans in the council’s representation proposals that it has presented for public input.
Consultation on the representation proposals opened on 1 July and closes on 1 August. Submissions can be made at https://haveyoursay.huttcity.govt.nz/ representation-review.
“Potential benefits of community boards need to be weighed against their costs, including the remuneration of board members and administrative support by the council,” the council says on its website.
“In 2022/23 it cost $357,983 to run the three [community] boards, includ-
If community boards are disestablished, the decisions currently made at community board level, such as naming of streets, parks and reserves, would revert to various council committees as is currently the case for parts of the city not represented by a community board, the council says.
“Residents would be able to engage with these council committees on decisions under consideration.”
Community boards are elected at the same time as the council.
“Their main role is to represent and speak on behalf of their community,” the council says. Currently 39 out of 66 councils across Aotearoa New Zealand have one or more community boards in their area, including Hutt City Council. As well as the plan to disestablish community boards, the council’s representation review is proposing:
councillors from six to five;
Photo: Supplied.
five general wards, compared with the existing six councillors from five wards;
Newspaper Deliverers
The Wainuiomata News requires deliverers in the following areas on a Wednesday each week:
AREA 1: Meremere St, Manurewa GR, Mataura Gr 300 papers
Painters
ori Ward called ori Ward with one councillor; and of councillors from 12 to 13.
Information about the council’s reprsentation review is at https:// haveyoursay.huttcity.govt.nz/representation-review.
All councils must conduct a review every six years as dictated by the Local Electoral Act.
Hutt City Council last did a representation review in 2018.
The council appointed an independent panel in July 2023 to conduct a review into the structure of its elected representation.
Representation Review Panel
how people thought we could improve representation across the city.
“These views were used to guide our recommendations to council,” he says.
“The independent panel has been through a robust process to get us to this point, and we’re grateful for
Campbell Barry says.
“Now, we want to hear what our community thinks of the proposal.
“This will help us understand how Lower Hutt residents want to be represented when we make our final decision.”
AREA 2: Faulke Ave, Burden Ave, part of Wood St 270 papers
AREA 3: Parenga St, Ngaturi Gr, part of Wood St and Coast Rd 235 papers
AREA 4: Hamstead, Enfield, part Wellington, Kendall 220 papers
AREA 5: Naseby Gr, Bexley Gr, part of Wellington Rd 285 papers
AREA 6: Hair St, Rowe Parade, Gibbs Cres, part of Main 280 papers
Chair Paul Swain says consultation with the community proved invaluable in formulating recommended changes.
“It gave us strong insights into
Most supple (7)
Earth; terra (5)
Snakes (6)
Dredged (8)
Atrocities (11)
Restrict (5)
Found (7)
More discourteous (5)
Oral hearings from submitters are scheduled for August, with the council to make its final decision in September.
Any changes adopted will take effect from the 2025 Local Body Elections.
When did the Beatles win their first Grammy? April 13, 1965:
Ulalei Aute top of table
By Toli Sagaga
Round one of the Netball Hutt Valley senior club competition ended on a high for Ulalei club with the Premier 1 team Aute finishing top of the table.
Aute achieved this with a strong 57-49 win against Naenae Collegians 1 on 6 July.
This was a proud moment for the club on its 20th anniversary.
The Ulalei club started with one team playing outdoors in reserve grade. The club has grown and has held a regular spot in the closed Premier 1 for the last 10 years.
To finish top of the table after the first round is yet another milestone for this small club that continues to punch above its weight.
The aiga/family vibe of the club has attracted many to head over and be part of the journey.
The latest addition is Lower Hutt based 14 year old Rylee Sopoaga who debuted at Goal Attack for the senior 5 Laga’ali socials. She was welcomed by the seasoned fossils with much enthusiasm and easily slotted into the team assisting in their 33-29 win against Upper Hutt Maidstone United.
The senior 2 team Malili were also winners
with a 40-22 trouncing against Avalon Rugby. They also finished top of the table in their grade amd are likely to move up to senior 2 for round 2.
Other results from 6 July are:
Petone Rugby;
Naenae Collegians;
School Old Girls;
Naenae Collegians;
Upper Hutt Maidstone United Limited Edition;and
playing with only six players.
Ulalei is also celebrating their summer codes Ulalei Wainuiomata Sports being finalists in the Wellington Airport Regional Community Awards.
The awards recognise the valuable contribution of volunteers to community groups and organisations across the Wellington Region, across five categories that includes Sport and Leisure. Malo le tauivi.
Huge Wainuiomata victory
By Frank Neill
Wainuiomata’s premier Rugby team kicked off its 2024 bid for the Hardham Cup by crushing Avalon 64-12 at William Jones Park on 6 July. The visitors were never in a match that the home team completely dominated.
Eight Wainuiomata players scored tries to help their team outscore Avalon by ten tries to two.
Wing Campbell Cowie scored a brace when he dotted down twice while his fellow wing
The other six try scorers were Joshua Le’afa-Paki, Braydon Soi, Matt Jacobs, Gray.
Wainuiomata was also awarded a penalty try. Andrew Wells kicked six conversions. The match referee Steve Newson chalked up a milestone when he officated at his 100th
match. Steve’s son Brad, who recently was
Union’s community rugby officer, was the assistant referee.
The full complement of Hardham Cup teams was confirmed on 6 July when both Marist St Pat’s and Paremata-Plimmerton lost their matches to place them in the tier two competition.
The full complement of Hardham Cup teams is Wainuiomata, Marist St Pat’s, Paremata-Plimmerton, Johnsonville, Poneke, Northern United, Wellington and Avalon. Wainuiomata’s next match sees them meet Northern United at William Jones Park on 13 July.
The Wainuiomata premier 2 team battled hard in their H D Morgan Cup match against Marist St Pat’s.
win.
Ki o Rahi champions
By Frank Neill
inaugural winner of the TŪ M tau Ora Ī o Rahi
undefeated the the competition, the 2024 TŪ M tau Ora Hui T karo Matariki Puanga Hui T karo, held at the kau Tangi Sports Centre teams from 14 intermediate and full primary schools in the Wellington region.
three teams that was unbeaten in the tournament, which it won on points differential.
Wainuiomata ended the day with a points differential of plus 137 points, 32 points ahead of Ng Mokopuna, which finished with plus 105 points.
Newlands College was third.
Wainuiomata played Ng Mokopuna in a
ISLAND NATURE TOURS
The five Wainuiomata
came o Porirua, R Ratahi and Matt Jellicoe.
Ulalei Laga’ali who beat Upper Hutt Maidstone United 33-29 on 6 July. Photo: Supplied.
The Wainuiomata and Avalon teams after their opening Hardham Cup match. Photo: Mike Lewis.
The Wainuiomata Intermediate School Kī o Rahi team and coach Tawera Ratahi with the trophy they won. Photo: Frank Neill. friendly match which they also won.
victories
Double celebration at Pukeatua School
By Frank Neill
Pukeatea Primary School had a double celebration on 4 July.
The school had a Matariki celebration, which began at 5:15am with students and parents turning up to prepare the Matariki hangi.
And it launched the school’s new localised curriculum with a well attended assembly of students, parents and wh nau starting at noon.
The new localised curriculum is named Te Manawa Pae o te Repo – The Beating Heart of the Swamp.
The swamp upon which Wainuiomata has been built has Black Creek as its heart, and the people of Wainuiomata are the kaitiaki of this vein, with a focus on looking after it and making it thrive.
Under the localised curriculum, the learning will have a strong emphasis on the environment as well as learning to head out into the big wide world, just as Black Creek heads out into the ocean.
The four major focus areas of the localised curriculum are:
In the week leading up to the Matariki celebration the tamariki at Pukeatua School learned about Matariki and were involved in both plays and songs about it.
After arriving at the school at 5:15, the tamariki were being taught how
hauora and achievement – our vision; nau – manaakitanga (the process of showing respect, generosity and care for others, employing hospitality, kindness, generosity and support) – our values; naungatanga (a relationship through shared experiences and working together which provides people with a sense of belonging) – our histories; and (guardianship, stewardship, trusteeship) – curriculum.”
to make a hangi, from splitting the wood, digging the hangi pit, placing stones in the pit (with the school using old brake shoes from trains for the stones), and placing embers on the top.
They had spent the day before peeling potatoes and kumara.
They then laid the hangi, which
cooked for four hours before it was served at 1pm.
Wh nau donated vegetables for the hangi and the Henare wh nau donated meat: pork, chicken and mutton.
They even catered for Muslim wh nau by providing halal meat.
Pukeatua School’s Kapa Haka group performing at the launch of the school’s localised curriculum. Photo: Frank Neill.
